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Layla Grace
March 14, 2010 - Comments (26)Yesterday was the kind of day that makes me grateful for the gift of life and aware of its brevity. The story of little Layla Grace reached me by way of my manager who was contacted by a church in Houston. They wanted to use “Save a Place for Me,” for a memorial website honoring the short life of this little girl who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Well, she passed away this past week, and I had the honor of singing the song at her memorial yesterday morning. I actually had a concert booked for months in nearby Austin, TX. I am convinced that God is involved in even the smallest details of this life. And I am thankful that I was able to be in Texas, my friends at the Extraordinary Women’s conference allowed me to switch my show time, and I was able to a part of the memorial.
Being a father of 2 little girls myself, my heart broke yesterday seeing a mother and father having to say goodbye to their little girl much too soon. But I was so inspired by their strength as well. The experience left me counting down the minutes until I stepped back on the plane this morning and headed home to my girls. Lord, help never to take for granted these precious moments with my wife and my daughters. Help me make the most of every day I am given on this earth. I don’t want to waste it.
God bless the Marsh family. They have allowed God to shine through their tragedy in a way that has changed the world around them. -mw
POSTED BY:
Matthew West
26 comments
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- @CabinMouse oh yeah, we'll if ur lurking, what did I have for lunch?
- @mandisaofficial The Price Is Right
- Excited to worship @peopleschurch !!RT @rickwhite: @matthew_west ok, bring that energy with you to TPC on Sunday. Looking forward to it.
- I know! May as well be Pig Latin... ight-ray?! RT @zacharyngarza: @matthew_west Nashville numbering?! That stuff confuses me. Lol.
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Sun 14/3/10, 11:42 am
That is touching…she was listed all over twitter as well. I’m glad you were able to be a part of it.
Sun 14/3/10, 11:43 am
Wow – that IS quite an honor… I’m so glad you got to have that experience! Thought the circumstances are heart-breaking, I’m sure that you touched many hearts with your song.
Thanks for sharing.
Sun 14/3/10, 2:05 pm
My deepest sorrow to the Marsh family. Losing a loved one is one of life’s tragedies. May Mr. & Mrs. Marsh find eventual peace, knowing they will one day hold Layla Grace close to them again.
Matthew — I, too, believe there are no “coincidences.” My mother died when I was 14, and I’m convinced she visits me as the Homeless. I live in an community where the homeless are not visible, yet we all know there are individuals struggling in EVERY community. Although it’s taken me 30+ years, in God’s mysterious power and grace, I’ve been able to heal from her absence. I’ve written this because I firmly believe there are
“ANGELS AMONG US.”
If mom was still alive, I’m sure we’d be great friends.
For years she’s been in heaven; so my experience has been pretends.
We talk about her childhood, her secrets, and her fears.
I wish I had more time with her, as my longing comes as tears.
We’re together in my kitchen, as I mix to bake a cake.
A cross she’d score in the batter, is still my tradition to this date.
I would love to take her shopping – a new dress and a haircut, too.
But I dare not dwell on these good times, for I know they will leave me blue.
Oh, I’ve ached so long for my mother’s touch, to hear her voice, or see her smile.
I’ve prayed to God to heal my heart, as I trudge another mile.
So I focus on healthier actions, to make my long-lost mother proud.
Like how I can make life better, for an unknown face in the crowd.
She shows up as a homeless woman, while I’m on vacation on in my town.
Each time I make this connection, it’s my mother’s love shining down.
A kind and gracious Angel, under the torn clothes, and dirty frown.
Profound to consider…but a queen without a crown.
Dying far too young – you missed so many things….graduations, weddings, and births.
Family reunions, after-church brunches, and staying way past three.
Drop-in visits, just to linger, sharing your favorite recipe.
Choosing spouses, meeting in-laws, reminiscing over pots of tea.
Finger-painted artwork, scribbled with X’s and O’s.
Bedtime stories, combing hair, and the tickling of toes.
You’ve missed the honor of holding your grandchildren close.
Snuggled all together, giggling, while your heartstring tugs.
You’ve missed out on more than a million, kisses and hugs.
So, if you can, whisper words to me – in my dreams, in the shower, or in the car.
I’ll listen, I’ll watch, I’ll wait for you;
for a mother’s love transcends time and space.
She walks with the homeless, the humbled, and disgraced.
She’s the one being battered, one of the forgotten few.
Angels walk among us; take notice, is ‘that’ one next to you?
Sun 14/3/10, 2:26 pm
Sometimes we have to go through this things, to make us realize about things we sometimes take for granted. God bless
Sun 14/3/10, 2:52 pm
Very touching and inspiring indeed . Glad God is making a huge impact with this song . Thanks for sharing this blog .
Sun 14/3/10, 5:29 pm
Having a little one born with special challenges, I can truly understand the “live everyday to the fullest” concept. My daughter’s challenges stem from the choice her birth mother made to drink during her pregnancy, and will be with her for life. At times it looked like she might loose the battle physically, or mentally, but through it all, God is faithful. I’ve come to look at everyday things through new eye’s-her’s. Grass isn’t just grass anymore-its GRASS. Clouds aren’t just clouds, they are bunnies, or horses, or angel’s, or where ever her imagination takes us today. The challenges we face everyday in so many ways are blessings and opportunities to be thankful for the precious gift God gave me in my little girl.
Sun 14/3/10, 6:24 pm
Thank you for singing at Layla’s memorial. My family and I traveled from Austin to Houston to attend the funeral of a little girl whom we had never met. Her story touched our hearts so deeply, especially because our son and Layla share the same birthday. Having a child the same exact age makes you realize what a blessing they are and how short life is. Your song was beautiful and perfect for Layla’s celebration. Thank you.
Sun 14/3/10, 6:56 pm
I just entered your website and was greeted with the Share Your Story page. I didn’t share my story, I shared the story of Layla Grace and suggested that a song be written about her. When I entered your site, I saw your blog about being at her Celebration of Life on Saturday.
Sun 14/3/10, 9:01 pm
Truly touching to see how kind-hearted and real you are – to share your talent and love with the Marsh family (my sincerest condolences)… and then with us at the EWC in Austin, TX. It was a privilege to meet you and to hear your message. Thank you for sharing your joy.
Sun 14/3/10, 9:40 pm
Matthew, I was honored to be at the memorial service for Layla Grace and hear you sing this beautiful song. I do not know the family, but have been so touched by their story and their strength, the way you have. I was so moved by the fact that you took the time to come in person and perform one of the most inspiring songs I have ever heard. I lost my Dad in 2003 to an auto-pedestrian accident and I miss him every single day. He would have made a wonderful Grandfather to my 22 month old Daughter, but he is now her Angel. Thank you for your inspiring words, and your fabulous voice and for sharing it with the world. Hug your Daughters as often as you can. I hold mine tighter and enjoy her zest for living more and more every day. I am striving to be a better Wife and Mother since I learned about the Marsh family. Thank God that he let us have that precious child to teach us how to live again.
Sun 14/3/10, 10:27 pm
I followed her journey from the beginning. I am one of those lives that have been changed, forever.
Her mother said it best when she said, “She has managed to do more Godly works in her short 2 years on earth than most people do in 80. I take comfort in the fact that when she returns home, she will be greeted by the Lord and hear “Well done good and faithful servant”. ”
Bless you Matthew for being part of her celebration of life.
Mon 15/3/10, 9:33 am
God is amazing and wonderful! I have been following Layla Grace on twitter for quite a while now and in the past few weeks I knew she was rapidly fading. One morning I was driving to work and listening to KLOVE when your song “Save a Place for Me” came on. All I could think of was Layla then and every time I hear it now. It is awesome that you were able to sing at her memorial. Thank you for making the songs that touch the heart and show God’s love and glory! Bless you and your family!
Mon 15/3/10, 12:15 pm
Having lost a granddaughter–who died duirng birth–I know the pain these parents feel, and I will always have a hole in my heart, but to able to pray for them and to allow myself to feel this pain again, I am healing, I know that by the grace of GOD someday these parents and this family will be able to begin to heal and tho we will never know why, I can begin to understand that as you say in your song–the why is for another time, another time.
Mon 15/3/10, 12:36 pm
Dear Matthew West,
Thank you for being so willing to serve our Lord through worship. Your generosity and willingness brought the much needed salve and grace of initial healing to the Marsh family. Ryan was one of my Soldiers at Fort Polk, LA years ago and has grown so much in the Lord. Your ministry to his family was incredible. God’s richest blessings to you.
CH Pete Keough, US Army
Mon 15/3/10, 3:38 pm
It was a beautiful service for such a sweet little girl — the lavender and pink balloon release was wonderful. Thank you for taking time to come and share “Save A Place For Me” in person, great job. Blessings.
Mon 15/3/10, 3:56 pm
It was a beautiful service for such a sweet little girl — the lavender and pink balloon release was wonderful. Thank you for taking time to come and share “Save A Place For Me” in person, great job. Blessings!
Mon 15/3/10, 6:02 pm
A very tragic and inspiring story. Learned of it through your website. Thank you for using your gift and sharing the experience. I shared this with my Sunday School classes this past weekend as my lesson centered about the use of the internet. I have never had such silence while speaking to the kids. I was honored that two kids offered prayer to the family during our prayer time.
Mon 15/3/10, 11:57 pm
What an amazing story of how God works! What an amazing gift you gave the Marsh family to be there in person to sing the song they chose for Layla’s Celebration of Life! What a blessing you are to so many!
Best,
Elle (in Austin, TX)
Tue 16/3/10, 1:52 am
I found out about this lil angel on Facebook. This is so amazing that you did this for this family, this is more amazing & shows how much of a heart you really have. You’re Awesome!!
Tue 16/3/10, 9:48 am
What a Blessing that you were in Texas at the same time that Layla went Home. I’m sure the family felt honored to have you sing “Save A Place For Me”
Your music is so inspiring to so many of us.
Tue 16/3/10, 9:30 pm
Thank you for coming and singing your beautiful song for this precious family. It blessed us all. You are a gift from God–thanks for being His instrument of praise!
Wed 17/3/10, 3:02 pm
What a wonderful blessing you were to the Marsh family! What a God thing it was for you to be so close to a place where your music ministry was so needed. God has given you a wonderful gift!! I know He is pleased with your use of it.
Sun 21/3/10, 5:00 pm
Children are truely the fruit of the womb. They are a blessing from God. It is so said to loose a child. It took me over twenty years to have a child, they are now ages 9 and 5, but God was faithful. I count every moment with them a blessing. Just looking in their little faces reminds me of God’s mercy and grace. I am so thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to be a mother.
Tue 30/3/10, 7:15 am
God takes us places we absolutely, 100% DO NOT want to go, in order to get us to where He (and ultimately, we) really want to be. Never lose sight of the tremendous hope that we have; it will not be disappointed.
~Ashli McCall, 38, mother of two, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
Tue 30/3/10, 7:33 am
Matt,
Just so you know, I have been following Layla on Twitter since January and the tragic story broke my heart. When I saw that Layla’s family asked you to play at her celebration, that was a big deal to me. I love you music but never purchased an album before today. I was thinking about how I need some new music and just bought “Something to Say” on iTunes. Just because you went out of your way to do that for the family. Thanks for doing that.
Erik
Wed 31/3/10, 1:33 pm
I was able to make it to the memorial service as well and thank you so much for giving your time, talent and heart the way you did. I know it blessed everyone there.
I’ve followed Layla’s story from the end of January and as a mom to two kids close to Layla’s age, it definitely impacted me. But how amazing is our God that he can make something so beautiful out of something so tragic!